SC takes suo motu cognisance of Delhi advocate stabbing, probes hospital denials
Synopsis
The Supreme Court stepped in after a Delhi woman advocate — allegedly stabbed multiple times by her husband — was reportedly turned away by three hospitals despite a critical condition. The CJI-led bench ordered a probe into the hospital denials, directed a senior woman officer to lead the investigation, and asked NALSA to release emergency financial aid by Tuesday.
Key Takeaways
The Supreme Court took suo motu cognisance on 28 April 2025 of the stabbing of a woman advocate at Karkardooma Courts, Delhi .
The victim was allegedly stabbed multiple times by her husband and reportedly denied admission by three hospitals before reaching AIIMS Trauma Centre .
An FIR was registered and the accused husband was arrested during the intervening night of 25–26 April .
The court directed the Delhi Commissioner of Police to transfer the probe to a senior officer, preferably a woman ACP or DCP .
NALSA was directed to release interim financial assistance to the victim by Tuesday .
The whereabouts of the victim's two younger daughters (aged 4 and 1) remain unknown; the 12-year-old is in the custody of maternal grandparents.
The Supreme Court of India on Monday, 28 April 2025, took suo motu cognisance of the brutal assault on a woman advocate who was allegedly stabbed multiple times by her husband in Delhi, ordering a probe into serious allegations that three hospitals refused her emergency medical treatment despite her critical condition. The bench, led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sурya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi, registered the case after receiving a letter from advocate Sneha Kalita, who drew the apex court's attention to the attack on the victim — a practising lawyer at Karkardooma Courts in Delhi.
Nature of the Attack
According to information placed before the court, the victim suffered multiple stab injuries to vital organs after being allegedly attacked by her husband with a sharp-edged weapon. Despite making repeated Police Control Room (PCR) calls and seeking immediate medical intervention, she was reportedly denied admission by three hospitals before finally receiving treatment at the AIIMS Trauma Centre in the early hours. The alleged refusal of emergency care by multiple hospitals has drawn sharp scrutiny from the apex court.
Court Orders and Directives
Taking serious note of the allegations, the CJI-led bench directed the investigating officer to probe the circumstances under which emergency treatment was allegedly denied and to submit a status report before the next hearing.
Point of View
But the real test will be whether the probe into hospital denials results in enforceable accountability — or fades into a status report. With two minor children still unaccounted for, the human cost here extends far beyond the courtroom.
NationPress
1 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Supreme Court take suo motu cognisance of the Delhi advocate stabbing?
The Supreme Court intervened after advocate Sneha Kalita wrote to the apex court highlighting the brutal stabbing of a woman lawyer, allegedly by her husband, and the serious allegation that three hospitals denied her emergency treatment despite her critical condition. The court registered the suo motu case on 28 April 2025.
Which hospitals allegedly denied treatment to the stabbed advocate?
The Supreme Court has ordered an inquiry into the alleged denial of emergency treatment, but the names of the three hospitals were not specified in court proceedings as reported. The victim was eventually treated at the AIIMS Trauma Centre in Delhi.
What is the current condition of the victim?
According to Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, appearing for the Delhi government, the victim was initially treated at AIIMS and has since been shifted to a private hospital, where her condition is presently stable.
What has the Supreme Court directed regarding the victim's children?
The apex court ordered police to trace the whereabouts of the victim's two younger daughters, aged 4 and 1, who were allegedly taken away by her in-laws after the assault. The eldest daughter, aged 12, has been placed in the custody of maternal grandparents, where she will remain for the time being.
What financial relief has the court ordered for the victim?
The Supreme Court directed the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) to release interim financial assistance to the victim by Tuesday, noting she urgently requires support for both medical treatment and the care of her three children.
